How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Texas (2026)
Texas employs about 209,680 CDL truck drivers earning a median $56,290 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a CDL Truck Driver here means completing FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years, then applying through Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Texas employs approximately 209,680 CDL truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $56,290 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 237,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a CDL Truck Driver in Texas, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: ELDT from a Training Provider Registry school (find programs)
- Typical timeline: FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years
- Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Exam: state CDL skills test
- Median wage (Texas): $56,290 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Texas
How to become a CDL Truck Driver in Texas? Complete FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Apply through Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
How long does it take? Most people finish FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Do I need a license in Texas? Yes. Texas credentials this role through Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 3. See the licensing section below.
What do CDL truck drivers earn in Texas? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Texas is $56,290 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,150 and experienced professionals can earn $79,400 or more 1.
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Texas
- Meet age, record, and medical rules. Interstate CDL driving is generally 21 and up; many states allow intrastate CDL at 18. Pass a DOT medical exam from an NRCME examiner.
- Complete FMCSA ELDT. Take Entry-Level Driver Training from a school on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Get a CLP and pass the skills test. Earn a commercial learner’s permit, practice, then pass the skills test at the state driver-license office.
- Receive the CDL and endorsements. The state issues the CDL. Add endorsements the job needs. Confirm current rules with the state DMV, not a parent transportation agency homepage.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
CDL Truck Driver License Requirements in Texas
CDL truck drivers in Texas complete FMCSA ELDT, pass a DOT medical exam, and earn a state-issued CDL. This is a weeks-long path, not a multi-year apprenticeship. See Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 3.
Typical path
Meet age, record, and DOT medical rules.
Complete ELDT on the Training Provider Registry.
Get a CLP and pass the skills test.
Receive the CDL and needed endorsements from the state DMV.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation before you enroll.
CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 55,670 | $59,530 | $62,720 | $42,810 | $91,990 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 49,750 | $56,840 | $58,160 | $38,320 | $79,490 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 13,710 | $53,650 | $56,430 | $38,560 | $76,840 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 10,760 | $57,110 | $58,460 | $42,300 | $78,210 |
| El Paso | 7,850 | $49,270 | $54,600 | $36,310 | $74,800 |
| Laredo | 5,460 | $49,010 | $53,470 | $32,080 | $74,640 |
| Midland | 4,540 | $58,200 | $60,170 | $46,310 | $78,190 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 4,390 | $47,040 | $50,130 | $31,250 | $71,050 |
| Odessa | 3,190 | $58,370 | $59,190 | $40,480 | $77,930 |
| Corpus Christi | 2,570 | $49,000 | $52,670 | $34,990 | $73,900 |
| Longview | 2,290 | $51,990 | $55,940 | $37,310 | $78,940 |
| Amarillo | 2,230 | $54,290 | $57,650 | $38,690 | $81,690 |
| Lubbock | 2,200 | $49,080 | $54,630 | $37,090 | $80,360 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 2,100 | $54,900 | $56,560 | $37,130 | $76,580 |
| Killeen-Temple | 1,940 | $57,040 | $60,890 | $37,670 | $99,200 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | 1,660 | $48,550 | $51,980 | $30,740 | $72,400 |
| Waco | 1,640 | $48,780 | $54,310 | $38,220 | $74,800 |
| Tyler | 1,490 | $51,290 | $53,980 | $38,680 | $71,630 |
| College Station-Bryan | 1,230 | $49,540 | $52,130 | $36,610 | $71,690 |
| Texarkana | 1,190 | $49,050 | $52,850 | $34,560 | $76,330 |
| Abilene | 1,090 | $54,720 | $56,610 | $38,180 | $77,630 |
| Sherman-Denison | 670 | $55,270 | $56,710 | $38,360 | $75,440 |
| San Angelo | 660 | $48,230 | $52,490 | $36,780 | $75,670 |
| Wichita Falls | 620 | $50,600 | $53,630 | $36,780 | $72,070 |
| Victoria | 570 | $51,150 | $54,330 | $36,220 | $72,640 |
| Eagle Pass | 250 | $58,600 | $57,000 | $34,090 | $75,700 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for CDL truck drivers in Texas? Texas currently employs approximately 209,680 CDL truck drivers 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cdl truck driver in Texas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Texas.
How much do CDL truck drivers earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Texas is $56,290, which is $1,150 below the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Licensing Information: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |